What Is a Hairball?
A hairball — technically called a trichobezoar — is a clump of ingested fur that accumulates in a cat's stomach and is eventually regurgitated. Despite the name, hairballs are rarely ball-shaped. They're usually cylindrical, matted, and unpleasant — a byproduct of your cat's meticulous grooming habits.
Why Do Cats Get Hairballs?
Cats are fastidious groomers. Their tongues are covered in tiny, backward-facing barbs called papillae, which are excellent at removing loose fur — but also trap it, sending it down the throat rather than out of the mouth. Most of this fur passes through the digestive system without issue. But some accumulates in the stomach, forming a hairball that the cat must expel.
Factors that increase hairball frequency include:
- Long-haired breeds (Maine Coon, Persian, Ragdoll)
- Heavy seasonal shedding periods
- Excessive grooming due to stress or skin conditions
- Older cats who groom more efficiently
What's Normal vs. What's Not
An occasional hairball — once every week or two — is generally normal for most cats. Signs that something more serious may be happening:
- Frequent retching without producing a hairball
- Loss of appetite or lethargy
- Constipation or diarrhea
- A distended or painful abdomen
These symptoms can indicate a hairball blockage, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.
How to Reduce Hairballs
- Regular brushing: Removing loose fur before your cat ingests it is the single most effective prevention. Daily brushing during shedding season makes a significant difference.
- Hairball-formula food: High-fiber diets help move fur through the digestive tract more efficiently.
- Hairball remedies: Petroleum-based gels (like Laxatone) lubricate the digestive tract and help fur pass through. Use as directed.
- Hydration: Well-hydrated cats have better digestive motility. Consider a cat water fountain to encourage drinking.
- Slow down fast groomers: If stress is driving excessive grooming, address the underlying cause.